Posted!

Join the Conversation

Comments

This conversation is moderated according to USA TODAY's
community rules.
Please read the rules before joining the discussion.

Boston Marathon security: 5,000 police, no drones, backpacks

Associated Press
Published 10:14 a.m. MT April 6, 2016

CLOSE

People react to an explosion at the 2013 Boston Marathon in Boston, Monday, April 15, 2013. Two explosions shattered the euphoria of the Boston Marathon finish line on Monday, sending authorities out on the course to carry off the injured while the stragglers were rerouted away from the smoking site of the blasts. (AP Photo/The Daily Free Press, Kenshin Okubo) (Photo: Kenshin Okubo, AP)

BOSTON - Three years after two bombs exploded near the finish line of the Boston Marathon, public safety officials have outlined a tight security plan for this year’s race.

During a news conference Wednesday, authorities said there will be up to 5,000 law enforcement officers, enhanced security checkpoints and dozens of surveillance cameras along the 26.2-mile route on April 18.

Hank Shaw, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Boston division, said officials are unaware of any specific threat against the marathon. He said officials are incorporating lessons learned from attacks in Paris, Brussels and San Bernardino, California, into the marathon security plan.

Officials are asking spectators to leave backpacks and drones at home.

Security has been stepped up significantly since the 2013 bombing killed three people and injured more than 260.